Ødegaard Knock Overshadows Arsenal's Win Against The Hammers

Arsenal's manager voiced serious concern regarding Martin Ødegaard's knock to the knee after the Norwegian limped out in a 2-0 triumph that kept the pressure at the top in the Premier League.

Twin Fitness Blow for The Gunners

The skipper departed the stadium with a brace on his left knee after a clash with an opponent before halftime.

The England midfielder also had to be withdrawn after the break because of a back problem, casting doubt on his availability for upcoming internationals.

"He suffered a clash directly on the knee, and immediately he felt pain," Arteta remarked. "I just spoke with him, he's not positive about it, he's got a brace on. We'll have to wait for the results of the medical examination."

Worrying Trend for Captain

The condition of Ødegaard – making him the inaugural footballer in Premier League history to come off in three successive matches before half-time – is generating major anxiety for Arteta.

"He's been unavailable since the start of the season for one reason or the other, shoulder problems previously and then this injury," he added. "He's our captain, and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension, particularly in the final third."

Rice Likewise Forced Off

Regarding Declan Rice, the boss commented: "He's not all right because he requested to come off, so that's a shame. He had pain in his back and couldn't continue, which is something quite rare for him, so we need to evaluate him and see how he is."

Saka on Squad Improvement

Bukayo Saka, who netted a penalty in his 200th top-flight game, highlighted the team's determination to correct previous losses at the Emirates against the Hammers.

"It demonstrated the development we've achieved," he stated. "We were determined to put that right in this match. We're aware of the quality we have in attack and understand if we keep a clean sheet we will probably we will win the game."

West Ham's Fresh Situation

The new West Ham manager, overseeing only his second game since replacing Graham Potter, confronts a difficult job as the team remaining in the relegation zone.

"The past week was a lot of new challenges, new things, many adjustments," he acknowledged. "I think the pause for internationals is going to be extremely beneficial for settling down thoughts and concentration, but all the aspects of our play we have to address."